Clemente Jung

Clemente Jung "CJ", age 61, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, joy, and fearless authenticity. A beloved son, brother, uncle, partner, friend, performer, and community icon, CJ touched countless lives simply by being himself.

From a young age, CJ was a natural creator. As a child, he built makeshift rides and carnivals for family and friends, and hosted neighborhood movie nights using his projector and serving popcorn. He loved drawing and skating growing up. CJ was an exceptional skater, known for his skill and fearless style. CJ also loved performing magic tricks that were playful and funny because he loved seeing people's laughter and reactions.

At 18, CJ became a hairstylist and found his true calling. He loved cutting, coloring, and highlighting hair, eventually owning and operating his own shop for many decades. His salon was more than a business-it was a safe space, gathering place, and second home to many.

CJ was also a gifted performer and drag artist. When he came out as gay, he embraced his truth with confidence and flair, performing in drag, and earning not only Newcomer of the Year, but several other honors for his talent and charisma. His performances were bold, entertaining, and unforgettable, and he became a true icon in the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring others to live authentically and embrace their own unique selves.

ln his later years one of CJ's favorite joys was going to the movies. He loved the experience of the theater and collecting videos to watch and share at home. He also found peace and fulfillment in caring for plants. Family meant everything to CJ. He came from a large family and helped raise many of his nieces and nephews, whom he loved deeply. His home- shared with his longtime partner- was always open to anyone in need of a place to stay, support, or love.

As health challenges became part of his journey, CJ found comfort and peace in attending church. His faith brought him solace, and with that faith, the family takes comfort in knowing that his fun loving spirit has gone home to be with the Lord in heaven.

CJ was funny, flamboyant, honest, and always a joy to be around. His legacy is one of love, creativity, generosity, faith, and celebration. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

CJ joins his mother, Evangelina Cruz Jung, father, Oscar H. Jung, Jr., his sister, Eva Jung-Ward, his grandparents, Camila & Jose Cruz in heaven. He is survived by his longtime partner, Jaime Garcia, his sisters and brother, Sylvia Moreno, Irma Felczak, Joann Jackson, Norma Hause, Diana lbanez, Yolanda Jung, Laura Serna, and Oscar H. Jung III, aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.